Starting Again

[oggiesnr]

Well I got my plots last August, cut them back, covered a bit of it and started clearing brambles, bindweed et al ready to dig it over.  Then ill-health intervened, followed by the run up to christmas where I make two thirds of my money for the year (not this time though as the ill-health meant I was understocked).

I am now clear to work on the lottie again and.......

It's a right mess again.  The sheeting stayed down but that's the only good news. It's sodden, the brambles had a late surge, the compost heap is a gungy mess and the turfs I'd taken off meaning to cover for a year or so have gone wild.

So how do I get back on track (assuming the rain stops)

Steve

[oggiesnr]

[kitten]

Hey oggie, don't despair, you won't be the only one that it's happened to  ;) altho that won't cheer you up much i don't expect  :-\

My advice is just take one section, and work on it this season, de-weed, make a plan and get something planted/sown.  We're starting leeks off next month in modules for planting out later, you could also put some garlic in straight away.  Then next year do the same with another section.  Slowly over a few years you'll make a big difference!

Good luck & keep us informed of your progress x

[carolinej]

Hello Oggie,

sorry to hear of your 'plight'.It is really good news that the plastic stayed down. You will have a lovely patch of earth under there.

When you lift the plastic, why not try laying it over the turves and leaving it. It isnt too late, as although the grass may look alarming, it will still die back when covered.

One saying I like to remember....How do you eat an elephant? .................One mouthful at a time ;D

cj :)

[cambourne7]

See if the allotment association will let you set bits of it on fire this will burn out a lot of the brambles you can then cover in carpet to stop weeds growing back and help kill off the roots. Then as has been suggested plant up a small section now and then have a digging party invite loads of people over with the offer of food and beer and get them to help you dig it over.